Disclaimer: Squaresoft and whoever else has legal claim own FF8 and its characters. This story was written for entertainment only and I gain no profit from it. Only help from people on writing.

-----------

'I wonder where everyone is. I can't find anyone. Zell ain't in the Cafeteria, Selphie ain't in the Quad, and Quistis isn't in a classroom or in the Training Centre. I know where Squall is but then again that could be because I've just been talking to him. I wonder if Zell is in the Library, ogling at that girl he thinks is so fine.'

Irvine has been wandering round Garden looking for everyone. He is now headed for the Library to look for Zell.

'I should really suggest to Squall that we try to cheer Garden up a bit; lately it's been looking a little drab. It might lift everyone's spirits. Ah the good old Library. Huh? Zell isn't here either. Hyne where is everyone. Has there been a public announcement that I've missed. I guess they could be in the Infirmary.'

Two girls walk past Irvine, wearing, what could be described as, minimalistic clothing. One is small, about 5'2", has long blonde hair, pulled back into a high pony tail, and is wearing a very skimpish top with a very small skirt that only just covers the top of her legs. The other is taller, 5'11", with mid-length red hair, left loose, and is wearing a black and white velvet corset, and a pair of very low slung black trousers, and a pair of very high heeled, black boots, enhancing her legs.

'Why hello. Looking mighty fine there aren't we girls. Hyne Irvine that's not what we're here for. We're looking for people remember. And not just anyone. Right back to task in hand. Plus I'm with Selphie anyway. She's a great girl. So lively and bouncy.'

'Oh Hyne. What if something has happened to her in the Training Centre and she is lying grievously injured in the Infirmary. Have to get there quickly. I guess running can be excused in this case. I just hope I don't meet anyone while I'm running round Garden.' He breaks into a run. 'That would not look good and even I can be disciplined.'

'Phew. She's not here, she must be fine. Wow but I'm not, all this running around in a panic isn't good for me. I'll just take a moment to try to catch my breath.'

Irvine leans against the wall of the Infirmary, looking at the floor, trying to get his breath back. He doesn't see Dr. Kadowaki approach him.

"Can I help you Irvine?"

"YAH! Dr. Kadowaki. No I'm fine"

"You look rather flushed Irvine, and you sound out of breath. You sure you're ok?"

"Yeah I'm fine; I was just running here as I had a sudden panicky thought."

"Hmmm I think I should examine you just in case."

"No, no really I'm fine. I'll just be going now!"

Irvine promptly leaves the Infirmary to get away from Dr. Kadowaki.

'Wow that was close. I hate being stuck in that place. And Dr. Kadowaki is scary. She is a good doctor but I hate being in the Infirmary. It makes me feel ill! Well back to hunting for people. Where on earth could they be? I haven't even seen Rinoa recently. I wonder if Squall has decided to talk to her. That would be both for them both.'

'Hyne where is everyone??'

Irvine starts wandering pointlessly round the Garden, unsure of where to go to find his friends. He can't decide where to go so leans on the wall next to the fountains round the centre of the Garden.

'I've tried the Quad, the Infirmary, the Library, the Cafeteria, the Training Ground, and the classrooms. Where haven't I been? Oh for pities sake, it's staring me plainly in the face. I haven't been to the Dorms. How thick can you get Irvine Kinneas? Not thinking of the most obvious place! Hmm I guess that means I have to set off again. Just as I was getting my breath back to. Well here we go. I really need to work out more. I've become lazy and unfit. And that is not becoming of a Sniper.'

Irvine starts to head for the dorms when a though suddenly strikes him.

'Hang on I can't actually check Rinoa's, Quistis's and Selphie's dorms can I? I ain't allowed on the girls' side. Damn. How am I going to check them? This really is turning out to be problematic. Well I might as well check Zell's Dorm. What number was it again?? Erm 213, no that's not right, erm 321 no still not right. I'm, sure it's those numbers how about 132 yeah that's it. Ok now where is that dorm located? There are far too many dorms in this place. Ah Zell's dorm. It must be look, at the amount of posters on the door alone! I can't hear anything from his dorm. Well might as well knock' Irvine knocks on the door '… Hmm better knock harder.'

Irvine knocks harder and also shouts. "Hey Zell you in there?"

'I guess that's a no then. Where is everyone? I need to find a girl to go look for Quistis, Rinoa and Selphie. Damn, where is one when you need one?'

He looks round for a girl headed into the dorms to look for Quistis, Rinoa, and Selphie. Just as he is about to give up hope a girl appears. She is 5'7" with black shoulder length hair, and very pale skin. She is wearing her SeeD uniform and carrying a whole load of books and folders, she is walking quickly towards the dorms, looking intently at something on top of her books and folders. Irvine notices that there are pictures of decorative guns on top of one of her folders, and guesses she is a gun woman.

'Ah she'll do.'

"Hey you. Gun girl."

"Are you talking to me Irvine?"

"Yeah, you know my name?"

"Of course everyone knows the resident expert in their field of weaponry."

"Oh right, well can you go see if Rinoa, Quistis or Selphie are in their dorms?"

"I guess."

"Thanks kid. Sorry I don't know your name."

"My name is Katrina"

"Thanks Katrina." 'Like I'll ever remember your name.'

Irvine paces round a bit at the entrance to the girls side of the dormitories. He is facing into them when he stops for a moment.

'Why do girls always take so long? Unless none of them are in their dorms. But then why hasn't Katrina come back to tell me that? Hmm where is everyone? This place isn't that big, how can they all be hiding so well?'

"Hey Irvine"

Irvine jumps out of his skin as he hears his name being spoken right behind him. 'Wow Hyne that scared me.'

"Hehe that was funny Irvine, you wanna jump like that again?" she giggles.

Irvine whips round to see Selphie standing right behind him. she is wearing a pair of black jeans and a yellow tee-shirt. They don't quite meet in the middle, leaving a small amount of her white skin showing round her waist. She is giggling at the way she made him jump out of his skin. His frown softens into a smile as he sees it is her.

"Hyne Selphie you made me jump out of my skin. Don't do that to me again ok?"

"Aww but it was so funny."

"Not for me it wasn't."

"So you gonna give me a kiss then Irvine? Please?"

"Hey don't change the subject, but actually yes."

'Hehe this kiss was easy to get out of her, for once. Normally it is really hard to get a kiss out of Selphie. Well let's enjoy it for now. I normally get hugs. Not that I'm complaining about that. I do like hugs but a kiss is just more intimate. Mmmm, her lips are so soft, so responsive…'

Irvine's hands slowly start to roam round Selphie's back, while hers move up towards his hair. She gets hold of the band holding it back and slowly starts to pull it out of his hair gently. His hands find the bottom of her tee-shirt and slowly he starts to move his hands under her top, lovingly rubbing her skin with his hands.

"Umm excuse me Irvine?"

'Damn.'

"Yes, who is it. Oh it's you Katrina. What do you want?"

"I couldn't find Quistis, Selphie, or Rinoa but as I can see you found Selphie for yourself."

"Oh right thanks for looking."

"Actually Katrina I found Irvine. He was lost in thoughts. You should have seen him jump when I called out his name. It was soo funny."

"Thanks Selphie, just destroy my manly image."

"No probs Irvine!"

"Well see ya Katrina."

'So where are both Quistis and Rinoa? Together possibly. That would make life complicated.'

"So why were you looking for me Irvine Kinneas? I hope it wasn't just so we could make out. It had better be important, or I'll be annoyed."

"Well actually…"

"I knew it, that's all you ever want isn't it?"

"Hey! Give a guy a break. I wanted to talk to you, Zell, and Quistis. About something that concerns us all I think."

"Oh sorry Irvy. I didn't mean to snap. You forgive me?"

"Sure Selphie. But I'm having problems locating Quistis and Zell. You seen them babes?"

"Don't call me that" Selphie says as she hits Irvine.

"Ouch Selphie that really hurts. No need to hit me so hard. That really hurt."

"It was meant to."

"Hmm… so have you seen them?"

"I saw Quistis a few minutes ago, heading for the bridge. But I haven't seen Zell."

"Well I've only got one place left down here to check for Zell, before I declare him officially missing! Then shall we go get Quistis?"

"Sure thing Irvy. Where's left to check?"

"The car park."

"Why would he be there?"

"How would I know? I don't understand Zell's mind. Do you?"

"No I don't either!" she giggles.

"Well let's go then".

They head for the Car Park, Irvine deep in thought, with Selphie linked through his arm. 'I wonder where Rinoa is then. I haven't seen her in ages and she doesn't appear to be anywhere. That is strange. I wonder if she went to see Squall. I hope not as I don't think he's ready for that.'

"Whatcha thinking Irvy?"

"I was wondering where Rinoa was Selph."

"Oh I just left her in her dorm about 30 minutes ago."

"Wonder where she is now as that girl couldn't find her."

'Knew I wouldn't remember her name.'

"You mean Katrina?"

"Yeah, whatever, I still want to know where Rinoa is."

"Hmmm it is strange. Oh well, it's not as if she needs permission to walk round Garden."

"True. I just wish I knew where she was."

Irvine, still not quite paying attention, nearly walks straight past the corridor to the Car Park. "Hey Irvy where you going? This is the corridor for the Car Park."

"Wow I hadn't realised we were here!"

"And look there is Zell!"

'I wonder why he is here. And shadow boxing here???'

"Hey Zell. Whatcha doing shadow boxing here?" said Irvine.

"Hey Irvine, Selphie. I was trying to get away from people pestering me. I was in the Training Centre, but I kept getting bugged by people, so I decided to come here to practise."

"But isn't it a little dangerous to be here Zell? I mean cars coming and going and all?" said Selphie.

"Not really Selphie. No cars can really come in and out now we are mobile remember?"

"Good point Zell!"

"Hey you two, if I might but it. Have you seen Rinoa recently Zell? Or Quistis?" said Irvine.

"No I haven't, not since lunch anyway."

"Irvy. Don't you listen to a thing I say??? I said I saw Quistis heading up to the bridge." Said Selphie.

"Sorry Selph. I forgot! Can I speak to you and Zell with Quistis? There is something I think we all need to discuss."

"Sure, I was getting a little bored of shadow boxing anyway."

'Right now just to find Quistis. I hope she is easier to find than Zell and Selphie.'

They all head towards the Bridge, Irvine ahead with Selphie and Zell walking behind him, talking loudly.

'Gosh I hadn't realised how hard it is to think with Zell and Selphie talking right behind you. And loudly. I can't concentrate properly on what I'm trying to think about. How am I going to address everyone about this? The problem between Rinoa and Squall. They must have noticed something. Or if they haven't then they really must be blind.'

"Hey there's Quistis. Hey Quistis!" said Zell.

"Yes Zell?"

"Irvine wants to talk to us all."

"Is it important Irvine, because I'm a little busy right now?"

"Well actually it is rather important." Said Irvine

"Oh right. Just let me deliver this report to Squall then I'll be with you."

"We'll wait for you here."

"Ok I won't be long."

Irvine, Zell, and Selphie all stand waiting in the corridor to the Bridge for Quistis to return. An argument quickly breaks out between Selphie and Zell, though it isn't malicious.

'Please don't be I think this issue really does need to be address. And soon. I think that our friends may be in need of help. I've tried but I still need help. Oh Selphie, Zell can't you be left alone for two minutes without an argument breaking out?'

"Hey you two. Can't I leave you alone and think without you two starting to argue?"

"Sorry Irvine." Said Selphie and Zell in unison.

"He started it."

"No I didn't."

"Yes you did."

"No I didn't."

"Enough the both of you. Here come Quistis anyway. Come on Quistis lets get these two out of here before any more arguments break out!"

"Ok then Irvine. This had better not take too long."

"Shall we go talk in the Cafeteria? It seems like the best place to talk seeing as we can't populate someone's dorm."

"Seems like a good idea to me." Said Zell.

"Ok then." Said Quistis.

"Lead the way cowboy!" said Selphie.

They all head for the Cafeteria thinking their own thoughts.

'How am I going to start this conversation? Do I admit to them that I've talked to Squall at the beginning of the conversation? Or should I wait til later? I don't want to give the wrong impression. But I don't want to keep secrets from them. They are my friends after all.'

'I wonder what they are all thinking about. Probably wondering why I called them here. But I think we need to address this problem before it gets out of hand with Rinoa and Squall. They need to talk and sort things out. I care too deeply for them both to let them ruin what they have going. They need each other. Rinoa needs her knight. And Squall needs his Sorceress to protect. They both need each other whether they realise it or not.'

Upon arriving at the cafeteria they head for a vacant table, and all sit down.

"So Irvine. Tell us what's this all about." Said Quistis.

"Can't you guess?" Said Irvine.

"We have no idea." Said Zell.

"It's about Squall and Rinoa." Said Irvine.

"What about them. They seem fine to me." Said Quistis.

"Quistis, have you not seen them recently? They are acting as if they can manage without each other. As if they have no feelings for each other." Said Selphie.

"Well how they act is their concern, not ours. Please don't tell me you brought me away from very important work to talk about Squall and Rinoa and their relationship, or lack there of." Said Quistis.

"Quistis we are all concerned about them. If they can't rely on us who can they. We have known Squall since the orphanage and Rinoa seems perfect for him. He needs her, more than he can admit. He cares for her." Said Irvine.

"Hey Irvine; how come you seem to know how Squall is feeling?" Said Zell.

"I went to talk to him about how he is towards Rinoa. I could see that it was hurting her so I thought I'd talk to him for her." Said Irvine.

"You talked to Squall. And he talked back." Said Selphie.

"Once I managed to persuade him to talk to me, yeah. He's not as stand offish as he seems. He is a hurt, confused guy, and I like to think he would do the same for me if I were in trouble." Said Irvine.

"Oh…"

"What's wrong Selphie?" Said Zell.

"I went and talked Rinoa earlier."

"What about?" Said Quistis.

"About her and Squall and how she feels."

"And how was she?" Said Zell.

"Well to begin with upset and hurt, but by the end of the conversation happier and resolved."

"What did you tell her?" Said Irvine.

"I told her she needed to talk to Squall, on her own. Why was that wrong?"

"I'm getting a bad feeling about this. Can you go and check on her Selphie? I think I'll go check on Squall also. I just hope we haven't caused any damage by our separate actions." Said Irvine.

"Yeah sure, I can go see her."

"Do you need me any longer or can I get back to work. Don't get me wrong I do care, but I do also have a lot of work to get through." Said Quistis.

"Yeah you can go Quisty." Said Irvine.

"Thanks." Said Quistis.

She leaves in a hurry, listing things on her fingers.

'You could seem a little more concerned though. These people are meant to be our best friends. If we can't help them then who can?'

"I'll go check on Rinoa then." Said Rinoa.

"Hey Irvine, you mind if I come too. I also care for Squall. And don't want to see him hurt himself and Rinoa." Said Zell.'

"Ok Zell. Let's get going. See you later Selphie."

'I really hope we haven't done any harm. I would never forgive myself if Selphie and I have caused something to happen between Squall and Rinoa.'

Selphie leaves, heading towards the dorms, and Irvine and Zell leave heading towards the Bridge, looking for Squall.